An automated inspection system based on virtual instrument technology was proposed for machine quality improvement. To meet national quality standard of the combine harvester, a group of testing items were chosen and built in the developed system. To obtain better efficiency and accuracy, rapid measurement technique for different measurement parameters were evaluated. Taking brake performance test for example, a reaction type tester was constructed for brake force measurement. Customized software programmed based on LabWindows/CVI and multi-channel data acquisition device were also integrated into the inspection system for better system performance. The developed inspection system was improved for combine harvester quality inspection with high accuracy and efficiency.